Bono says he wears sunglasses due to glaucoma

LONDON (AP) — U2 singer Bono says his ever-present sunglasses aren't a rock-star affectation — he has suffered from glaucoma for 20 years.

The condition — a buildup of pressure that can damage the optic nerve — can make the eyes sensitive to light.

Bono told the BBC's "Graham Norton Show" that he had the condition, but "I have good treatments and I am going to be fine."

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2014 file photo, Apple CEO Tim Cook, left, greets Bono from the band U2 after they preformed at the end of the Apple event in Cupertino, Calif. Bono says his ever-present sunglasses aren't a rock-star affectation ¿ he has suffered from glaucoma for 20 years. told the BBC's "Graham Norton Show" that he had the condition, but "I have good treatments and I am going to be fine." (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

He said people would now think of him as "poor old blind Bono."

He also acknowledged that some people had been annoyed when U2's new album, "Songs of Innocence," was sent unsolicited to millions of people with iTunes accounts.

In comments released Friday by the BBC, Bono said, "We wanted to do something fresh, but it seems some people don't believe in Father Christmas."

FILE - In this Sept. 27, 2014 file photo, Bono smiles upon his arrival in Venice, Italy, to attend George Clooney's wedding ceremony. Bono says his ever-present sunglasses aren't a rock-star affectation ¿ he has suffered from glaucoma for 20 years. told the BBC's "Graham Norton Show" that he had the condition, but "I have good treatments and I am going to be fine. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

FILE- In this Sept. 7, 2014 file photo released by Starpix, Laurie Anderson, from left, Bono, Ali Hewson, and Eve Hewson sit in the front row during the Edun Spring 2015 collection during Fashion Week in New York. Bono says his ever-present sunglasses aren't a rock-star affectation ¿ he has suffered from glaucoma for 20 years. told the BBC's "Graham Norton Show" that he had the condition, but "I have good treatments and I am going to be fine. (AP Photo/Starpix, Kristina Bumphrey, File)